Ukrainian Diplomat Blatantly Lies About Airstrike

A member of the local self-defense forces covers the body of a person killed during the air attack on the building of Lugansk regional administration by Ukrainian air force. (RIA Novosti / Evgeny Biyatov)

Ukrainian Diplomat Yuriy Sergeyev has blatantly lied to journalist about a military airstrike on the city of Lugansk’s main regional building that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries on Monday.

During a Security Council meeting on Monday evening, Mr. Sergeyev was asked to comment on the bloody airstrike that killed and wounded several civilians. He lied about who carried out the attack, saying it was rebels who misused a grenade, causing it to explode.

Videos on Youtube showed the attack and gruesome aftermath. Several survivors were badly mutilated. One woman’s leg had been sliced in three, the skin just barely keeping the parts together. Her face had been torn apart as well.

In a separate video, a woman is seen laying against a car, alive but drenched in her own blood.

Another video shows a white car avoiding being hit in the strike by just a mere second.

“There were no Ukrainian airstrikes on Lugansk because the Ministry of Defense did now allow it,” Mr Sergeyev said, adding that the explosion was caused by the misuse of a grenade by “terrorists”, before promptly leaving.

The Ukrainian government has repeatedly accused anti-Kiev activists of being terrorists who’s goal is to divide the country.

On May 11, separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk region declared a “People’s Republic” after holding referendums on greater autonomy from the Kiev authorities.

Ukraine had accused Russia of backing the separatists, and Mr. Sergeyev reiterated these claims during the meeting.

He accused Russia of “sponsoring terrorism” multiple times and criticized Moscow for its annexation of Crimea in March.

Ukraine “continues to face aggression from the Russian Federation”, he said.

But in recent weeks, the Kremlin has stressed for an end to the fighting and bloodshed raging in eastern Ukraine as pro-Russian militants and Ukrainian military forces clash on an almost daily basis.

Last week, Ukrainian “anti-terrorist” military operations against separatists at the Donetsk International Airport resulted in the death of over 50 militants.

Scores more of Ukrainian soldiers and separatists have been killed in other clashes between the two sides in recent months.

Also last week, 14 Ukrainian soldiers, including a general, were killed when the helicopter they were in was shot down by militants.

Newly-elected President Petro Poroshenko has promised to squash the rebellion and bring order and stability in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Moscow has condemned Ukraine’s military operations and demanded they be brought to an end. On Monday, Russia called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to seek a cease-fire.

In Mr. Sergeyev’s statement, he described Russia’s resolution for a cease-fire as “immoral” because of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and its alleged support of “terrorists”.

Ukraine is “ready to do dialogue, but with our own people” he said, adding that majority of the pro-Russian activists aren’t actually Ukrainians, but Russians.

He demanded that Russia uphold its promises in the Geneva agreement in April to use its power to deescalate the crisis in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Meanwhile on Monday, an estimated 500 anti-Kiev gunmen attacked a border center near the city of Luhansk. Five were reportedly killed and another eight wounded.

Several border guards were wounded but there were no reports of fatalities.